OXFORD United’s sell-out on Sunday will boost Michael Appleton’s playing budget after executive chairman Darryl Eales struck a deal with the head coach.

Swansea City’s visit in the Emirates FA Cup will be watched by more than 12,000 at the Kassam Stadium, their highest attendance for a home game for almost a decade.

And the bumper gate, which was not budgeted for at the start of the season, is set to boost United’s clout in the January transfer market, thanks to an agreement made earlier this season, which Eales has now revealed.

He said: “I have said to Michael – and I don’t think there’s any reason why anyone shouldn’t know this – but if we got to the third round of the FA Cup he could have 50 per cent of whatever the club gets in terms of gate receipts to strengthen the squad.

“That was as far as that conversation went, but rest assured it’s been raised with me already.

“I’ve no issue with the spoils of success being reinvested in the playing squad.”

While the details are a little vague, at this stage of the competition both sides receive 45 per cent of the net gate receipts.

Half of United’s share could hand Appleton up to an extra £50,000 for his kitty in January, which would be dwarfed if they earned a replay against the Swans.

But for Eales the prospect of a game at the Liberty Stadium is far outweighed by the chance to show thousands of extra supporters why they should come to the Kassam more often.

He said: “The really fantastic thing is the excitement around the fans.

“It will be the first full house since I’ve been at the club.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase for fans, who either don’t come very often or maybe even have never been before, to get them to come to games, particularly for the second half of the season, which should be amazing.

“This is what it’s all about, you want to create that buzz and optimism around the place.

“Whilst a replay would be financially beneficial, the reality is for the long-term benefit of the club we need to get a greater number of people consistently coming down and enjoying what we’re doing.

“If the team turns up on Sunday and gives a good account of themselves I’d be delighted and if they draw. To win it would be a bonus.

“We have an amazingly loyal core fanbase, but wouldn’t it be fantastic if we were getting 8,000 or 9,000 home fans every week?”